In ‘The Hounding,’ rumors swirl around five sisters living in 18th-century England
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author Xenobe Purvis discusses her novel inspired by an 18th-century account of five sisters who reportedly began barking like dogs. The story weaves together historical elements from the Age of Enlightenment, including reports of Thames water creatures and the practice of using pregnant women as pallbearers for those who died in childbirth.
The discussion explores how the novel examines social dynamics in 1700s England, particularly the treatment of women and the power of gossip in small communities. Through the story of the Mansfield sisters and a deceitful ferryman named Pete Darling, Purvis illustrates the tension between Enlightenment thinking and superstition, while drawing parallels between historical attitudes toward women's bodies and contemporary issues of gender-based discrimination.
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1-Page Summary
Historical Inspiration and Context for the Novel
Xenobe Purvis's novel draws inspiration from an intriguing historical account from 1700s England. While conducting research, Purvis discovered documentation of five sisters who were reportedly "seized with frequent barking in the manner of dogs." With limited historical information available beyond a doctor's letter, Purvis crafted a narrative that incorporates authentic period elements, including reports of a Thames water creature and the unusual practice of pregnant women serving as pallbearers for those who died in childbirth.
The story is set during the Age of Enlightenment, where Purvis explores the tension between progressive philosophical thinking and deeply rooted superstitions through the community's response to the Mansfield sisters' unusual condition.
Gender and Policing of Women's Bodies
Through the Mansfield sisters' experiences, Purvis examines the strict social norms of the 1700s. The character Anne's observation about "our punishment" for "being girls" serves as a powerful commentary on the historical policing of female bodies. Purvis notes that these themes of toxic masculinity, resistance to nonconformity, and women's safety continue to resonate disturbingly with contemporary events.
Influence of Rumors, Gossip, and Superstition
In the novel, a town ferryman named Pete Darling, known for his dishonesty and claims of divine authority, spreads rumors about witnessing the Mansfield sisters transforming into dogs. Purvis describes how gossip functions as a form of social currency, requiring an exchange between the gossiper and listener. The spread of these rumors throughout the village has severe consequences for the Mansfield sisters, demonstrating the infectious and destructive nature of gossip in their community.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore historical fiction by writing a short story that weaves in lesser-known historical events or beliefs from your local area, mirroring the way the novel uses the Thames water creature and the superstitions of the Age of Enlightenment. This can deepen your understanding of how history and fiction can intertwine and give you a new appreciation for the past's influence on present-day narratives.
- Reflect on modern social norms by journaling about instances where you've witnessed or experienced expectations based on gender or other identities. Compare these observations with the historical context of the Mansfield sisters to gain insight into how societal pressures have evolved or remained the same over time.
- Start a conversation with friends or family about the impact of rumors and gossip in your own community, drawing parallels to the destructive nature of gossip in the novel. Discuss ways to foster a more supportive and less judgmental social environment, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
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Historical Inspiration and Context for the Novel
Xenobe Purvis offers insights into her novel, deeply rooted in a true yet nearly forgotten piece of history from 1700s England, involving the bizarre case of five sisters and delving into the societal repercussions of their condition.
Inspired by a True Story: Five Sisters in 1700s England "Seized With Frequent Barking Like Dogs"
While researching, Xenobe Purvis discovered an unusual tale—by the 1700s, five sisters were reportedly "seized with frequent barking in the manner of dogs." Limited information exists about the sisters beyond a letter from the treating doctor, leaving much of the story shrouded in mystery. Drawing from this historical kernel, Purvis crafts an imaginative tale that weaves in factual elements from that era, such as a massive water creature spotted in the Thames and the unusual occurrence of pregnant women serving as pallbearers for someone who had died in childbirth.
Xenobe Purvis On how the Community Might Respond To This Strange Phenomenon
In her investigation of the narrative, Xenobe Purvis is fueled by themes of girlhood and the societal roles of girls at the time, elements that sparked the inception of her novel. She admits to being continuously affected by the distressing contemporary resonance of the themes as she penned the story.
Novel Set During Enlightenment Explores Clash Between Enlightened Vi ...
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Historical Inspiration and Context for the Novel
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your local history to uncover lesser-known stories by visiting your town's historical society or library and asking about any unusual local legends or figures. This can give you a sense of connection to your community's past and inspire creative projects or further research into how historical narratives shape modern perceptions.
- Reflect on societal expectations by journaling about ways you've felt pressured to conform and how you've responded, whether by conforming or resisting. This personal audit can help you understand your relationship with societal norms and may empower you to make more conscious decisions about when to adhere to or challenge these expectations.
- Start a book club focused on novels set in historical periods, usin ...
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Gender and Policing of Women's Bodies
The novel scrutinizes the stringent societal norms of the 1700s through the experiences of the Mansfield sisters, whose nonconformity is met with punishment.
The Novel Explores the Mansfield Sisters' Challenges In 1700s Society, Where Their Behavior and Nonconformity Are Punishable
Anne, a character within the novel, sharply criticizes the societal standards of their time with her lament on "our punishment" for the mere fact of "being girls," which poignantly encapsulates the novel's exploration of the policing of female bodies and the peril to girls’ safety.
Historical and Contemporary Parallels: Toxic Masculinity, Nonconformity Resistance, Women's Safety
Themes' Disturbing Relevance Reflected In Current Events
The themes of toxic masculinity, resis ...
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Gender and Policing of Women's Bodies
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Start a book club focused on historical fiction that challenges societal norms to gain insight into past and present issues regarding gender and conformity. By reading and discussing novels similar to the one described, you can deepen your understanding of historical gender dynamics and draw parallels to modern-day issues. For example, select books like "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne or "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood and facilitate discussions on how these stories reflect on today's society.
- Create a personal journal to reflect on instances of gender policing and toxic masculinity you observe or experience. Use this journal to document your thoughts and feelings about these occurrences, whether they happen in the news, at work, or in social settings. This practice can help you become more aware of subtle societal pressures and consider ways to support resistance to nonconformity in your own life.
- Volunteer with organizations that support wo ...
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Influence of Rumors, Gossip, and Superstition
The tale of the Mansfield sisters turning into dogs reflects the profound impact of rumor, gossip, and superstition on society.
Rumor Spreads: Mansfield Sisters Turning Into Dogs
Within the framework of the story, Pete Darling, a town ferryman known for his dishonesty and purported divine authorization, initiates a rumor. He claims to have witnessed the Mansfield girls transforming into dogs.
Reader Weighs Pete's Claims Due to His History Of Lying and Claiming Divine Authorization
The credibility of Pete's claim is questionable to the reader due to his noted history of lying and proclaiming to act under divine command. There are no specific details provided concerning the rumors about the Mansfield sisters' alleged metamorphosis into canines.
Gossip and Misinformation Profoundly Impact the Mansfield Sisters
The novel, with rumor spreading as a central theme, exhibits the contagious nature of gossip, as noted by Purvis. He relates how rumor dissemination feels ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Influence of Rumors, Gossip, and Superstition
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The rumor about the Mansfield sisters could be a misinterpretation or exaggeration of an actual event that was not supernatural in nature.
- Pete Darling's past dishonesty does not necessarily invalidate every claim he makes; even habitual liars can tell the truth on occasion.
- The impact of gossip on the Mansfield sisters might be overstated if other factors are also affecting their situation.
- The idea that rumor dissemination is always contagious and leads to dire repercussions may not account for instances ...
Actionables
- You can develop a personal policy to verify information before sharing it by always cross-checking facts with at least two reliable sources. This habit ensures you don't inadvertently spread rumors and helps maintain your credibility. For example, if you hear a surprising piece of news about a colleague, look for confirmation from reputable news outlets or official communications before discussing it with others.
- Create a "gossip impact" journal where you record observations of how gossip affects those around you, noting emotional responses and changes in behavior. This reflective practice can heighten your awareness of the consequences of spreading rumors and reinforce the importance of responsible communication. For instance, if you notice a friend is upset by a rumor, document the situation and your thoughts on how it could have been handled differently.
- Engage in active listening when encountering gossip by ask ...
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